15th Century Leg Armor - 18 Gauge

This well-articulated set of 15th century medieval leg armor is constructed from plates of 18 gauge steel. A set of leather straps and adjustable brass buckles fit the armor to the leg and a large leather tab prevents the armor from digging into the thigh. This armor can be worn alone or with lower leg armor (greaves) sold separately.

Medieval Leg Armor Information:
The poleyn was a component of Medieval and Renaissance armor that protected the knee. During the transition from mail armor to plate armor, this was among the earliest plate components to develop. They first appeared in the mid-thirteenth century and remained in use until the early seventeenth century when firearms made them obsolete.

The specifics of poleyn design varied considerably over that period. The earliest poleyns were strapped over mail chausses. Late fourteenth century and early fifteenth century poleyns usually attached to padded leggings with leather buckles and incorporated goussets. During the fifteenth century poleyns developed an articulated construction that attached to the cuisses and schynbalds or greaves. A characteristic of late fifteenth century gothic armor was a projection that guarded the side of the knee.